OWLS HEAD – Donald W. “Tink” Bergren, 58, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, 2016, at his home with his mother at his side.

Born in Rockland on Aug. 8, 1958, he was the son of Donald H. and Cora Guptill Bergren.

He attended Owls Head Elementary School, and was a 1976 graduate of Rockland District High School. He was active in school activities and popular among his peers, causing him to be featured in several yearbook superlatives.

In his youth, Tink was an avid hunter and woodworker. An keen sharp shooter, he received local recognition for his skill in that sport.

While in high school, he worked nights at the O'Hara Corporation in Rockland, and following graduation, took a full time job with the company. He worked full time with that company until being injured in a diving accident. After his injury, Tink overcame many physical challenges and went back to school, earning a degree in business administration from the University of Maine, Augusta, graduating with the Class of 1988.

He did freelance work as a computer consultant, including work for a local computer company and an out-of-state construction tool company.
Tink remained active in local civics throughout his adult life, including serving on a committee for the Owls Head Water Company, studying water conservation and emergency planning techniques. He also took an active role in planning his high school class reunions.

His love of woodworking and carpentry remained constant throughout his adult life, and though he was limited physically, completed many projects with his father, each contributing their own strengths and skills.

Tink had no children of his own, but he enjoyed the opportunity to mentor and advise young adults whenever possible, including his own niece and nephew, along with some children of his close friends, family and community.

Tink's easy going, accepting, non-judgmental personality made him quick friends with anyone he met, and loved by all.

He is survived by his parents, Donald H. and Cora Bergren of Owls Head; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Karen Bergren of Brunswick; his nephew, Josh Bergren and his wife, Sheila, and their children, Lydia and Susanna of Scarborough; his niece, Corrie Piepiora and her husband, Joseph, and their daughter, Isabelle, of Aliso Viejo, Calif.. his very special cousins, Walter Guptill and his wife, Lisa, of South Thomaston and Florida, and Marcia Guptill of Owls Head; his special friends, F. J. and Jennifer O'Hara of Owls Head, and Bobbi Jean and Chris Young of Warren; as well as many special cousins and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A reception will follow at the funeral home's 104 Limerock reception center.

While flowers are welcome, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.